Predefinable colorimetric quantum-dot barcodes with simple and express identification algorithm.

Specific fluorescent profiles were created by loading quantum-dot (Qdot) mixtures in liquid cores of monodispersed polymer microcapsules, which were used as colorimetric barcodes for small object identification. Since the emission intensities of Qdot-loaded liquid cores maintain a linear relation to the Qdot concentrations and the Qdots in the liquid cores with different emission peaks have no obvious interference, the colorimetric barcodes can be predefined by the compositions of Qdot mixtures. The colorimetric barcodes can be identified easily by recording the emission intensities of the encoded microcapsules at respective Qdot emission peaks with a simple and express algorithm, which are suitable to conduct high-throughput multiplexed assays by flow cytometer for biological screening applications.